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New TubeInspect Software Version 4.7
1 September 2011 - Just in time for the EMO Hannover 2011 AICON launches the latest TubeInspect software version 4.7 with huge new functions. AICON's module TubeInspect NET for correction of bending machines can automatically transmit the correction data at up to 100 simultaneously connected bending machines. Now the software has been expanded to include a simulation module. The effect of various proposals for the correction of bending machines can already be predicted and checked before the bending test. In addition, the TubeInspect qs-Stat® Interface has been completely revised and new important features such as the transfer of measurement results in AQDEF format (Automotive Quality Data Exchange Format) are included now.
The operator has decided to spare the correction at bending point 8. However, the result of the virtual gauge inspection considering these specifications reveals a bad part. Consequently, the operator has to go on working on the correction data.
At bending point 18 the correction value for the bending angle has been reset to zero. The virtual gauge inspection confirms a successful correction and the production of a good part.
Start screen TubeInspect qs-Stat® Interface
TubeInspect NET Interface to bending machines
In the production bending machines must be set up again and again, e. g. when products are changing or because of different individual material batches. Thanks to TubeInspect's interface TubeInspect NET now the setup of the bending machine only takes a few minutes. Thus the savings are enormous. With TubeInspect NET correction data can be transmitted to up to 100 bending machines connected at a time. It is based on an open interface description that is available for free. Meanwhile, all major bending machine manufacturers support the transfer of TubeInspect determined correction data into the CNC program of their benders. The setup of an individual data transmission connection is not necessary anymore. For this the TCP/IP protocol (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is used which is typically available in companies' network. If not, the correction data can also be transferred via media (e. g. USB stick).
Setting up a bending machine becomes easier in the future. At first, the tube to be corrected is measured with TubeInspect. The results are available within seconds. After a brief analysis of the measured correction data, the users start to transfer the correction data to the bending machine. The data can be used either as calculated by TubeInspect or partially if an adaption to the bending machines behaviour is necessary (e. g. only push values or 70 %).
Simulation of bending corrections
Now TubeInspect NET has been expanded to include a new module: A simulation tool for bending corrections with virtual gauge check. After measuring the tube to correct with TubeInspect, the analysis is done by the operator. In some cases the calculated correction data cannot be transferred to the bending machine because collisions may occur or correction of push data in flat arcs are not useful. With the new tool the operator is able to modify the correction data interactively and the simulation module immediately shows after each modification a virtual gauge inspection of the part by presenting the results in an illustrative bar chart. Immediately, the operator gets a feedback if the tube produced with the modified parameters will fit into the control gauge. Only when the correct settings have been found, another tube is bended with the machine. In the future, unnecessary bending trials will not be superfluous, the process to set up a bender will be shortened and valuable time and expensive material are saved.
TubeInspect qs-Stat® Interface
Another innovation is the completely updated TubeInspect qs-Stat® Interface. This software is used to convert TubeInspect measurement data for further statistical analysis with the qs-Stat® software from Q-DAS (www.q-das.de). With the new interface, series measurement files produced by TubeInspect can be converted into Q-DAS data files in the DFQ format. AICON uses a standard K-field assignment. The main use for this software is the analysis of repeated measurements, such as those obtained in process capability studies.
Moreover, now the TubeInspect qs-Stat® Interface allows a transfer of measurement results into AQDEF format. AQDEF is an acronym for Automotive Quality Data Exchange Format and was defined by various automobile manufacturers. It is based on the ASCII transfer format from Q-DAS and is primarily used for the transfer of individual measurements, which are required for the direct monitoring process, for example. Therefore, from the measurement results the only relevant feature “sheath deviation” for the installation, or in other words the result of the virtual gauges inspection, is transferred.
Talk to us!
Holder of appropriate licenses and a valid software maintenance contract will receive all the new features automatically with the next software update. At the EMO Hannover AICON presents the extended interface with the new software TubeInspect version 4.7 for the first time. AICON's booth G65 is located in Hall 5.
Do you want to know more about the latest developments?
Please contact Miriam zur Mühlen: +49 531 58 000 921, miriam.zur.muehlen@aicon.de.
